Stjarnan vs JK Nomme Kalju Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Stjarnan’s excellent recent form has taken them to the top of the league, and they’re now switching focus to the Europa League on Thursday night. They are looking to progress across multiple competitions, with a place in the last four of the cup already secured. They could be on course for a fantastic season after their string of victories, but that will be ruined if they slip up at home to Estonia’s Nomme Kalju on Thursday night. Can the visitors claim a result in Iceland?

The hosts are looking to capitalise on the momentum in Icelandic football, which was boosted after the country’s run to the World Cup and draw with Argentina. They are pushing champions Valur, and leapt ahead of them in the Urvalsdeild on Thursday night. They’re now clear on goal difference, and are hoping to keep up their European ambitions with a first leg victory.

However, Nomme Kalju are also top of their league, with a two point lead at the top of their domestic competition. They’ve won four matches in a row ahead of this clash. However, their European form isn’t that great. They’ve won two of their last six matches in the Europa League, while they’ve claimed a single win in their last six matches in the competition. With Stjarnan in fantastic form, Nomme Kalju will have to up their game in Europe in order to pull off a result in this trip.

Stjarnan were shocked in this competition last year, after losing out to Shamrock Rovers. However, they’ve got a perfect chance to put that result behind them, after winning their last eight matches in all competitions. They’ve won four of their last five matches at home, while they’ve scored at least twice in 10 of their previous 11 home matches. That form should worry the visitors, who have a long trip ahead of this first leg clash.

We can’t see Nomme Kalju managing to turn around their poor form in Europe after this long journey, especially given how impressive Stjarnan are at home. We’re backing Stjarnan to claim a first leg victory as our main tip here, which is great value given the form they’re in. On top of that, we’re backing a 2-1 win, with the Urvalsdeild side seeing their share of high scoring matches so far. With their scoring form considered, the hosts should hit a couple of goals on Thursday night.